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Equisetum arvense
L.
Field Horsetail
Equisetaceae
Equisetum arvense is a species of horsetail in the family Equisetaceae. It is extremely widespread, found everywhere from North America to Europe to northern Asia, and is invasive elsewhere.
Description
Equisetum arvense is a herbaceous perennial that may have branched stems. Vegetative stems are green, branched, typically 2 to 60 cm tall. The center of the main stem is hollow and this hollow chamber’s diameter is about 1/3 to 2/3 of the stem’s total diameter. Along the stems are sheaths, which contain the true leaves. These leaves appear as 4 to 14 small dark scales that are dark, 1 to 3.5 mm long, and sometimes paired. Branches are whorled, ascending, with three or four grooves. The first internode (the gap between the lowest joint and the point of meeting the stem) is longer than the associated sheath. Fertile stems are brown, unbranched, and produce cone-shaped reproductive structures called strobili in early spring (FNAEC 1993).
Among species with branched stems, Equisetum hyemale is similar to Equisetum pratense, but the leaves of the sheath are white on the edges, unlike that of this species. Other species have first internodes that are shorter than their associated sheaths (“Equisetum: Dichotomous Key”).
Among species with branched stems, Equisetum hyemale is similar to Equisetum pratense, but the leaves of the sheath are white on the edges, unlike that of this species. Other species have first internodes that are shorter than their associated sheaths (“Equisetum: Dichotomous Key”).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Equisetum arvense has young shoots that are edible, although it must be cooked to deactivate the thiaminase present, which is an antinutrient (Tilford 1997). It is also used medicinally by some Native American groups. Mature shoots may be used as a scrubbing tool (Maiz-Tome 2017).
Distribution
Equisetum arvense is widespread in roadsides, rivers, fields, marshes, and tundras up to 3200 m in elevation. It has a circumboreal distribution, being found over most of North America, Eurasia, and Greenland (FNAEC 1993).
This plant grows vigorously and is an invasive species in many areas such as Australia, where it can poison livestock (“Horsetails (Equisetum species)”).
This plant grows vigorously and is an invasive species in many areas such as Australia, where it can poison livestock (“Horsetails (Equisetum species)”).
Status
Equisetum arvense is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Least Concern", citing a widespread range (although in some areas it is locally rare), and little to no threats that would threaten its population (Maiz-Tome 2017).
References
Equisetum: Dichotomous Key. 2019. [accessed May 13, 2021]. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/dkey/equisetum/#all
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
Horsetails (Equisetum species). NSW WeedWise. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/157
Maiz-Tome, L. 2017. Equisetum arvense. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T167857A161580271.en.
Tilford, G. L. 1997. Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press Publishing Company.
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
Horsetails (Equisetum species). NSW WeedWise. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/157
Maiz-Tome, L. 2017. Equisetum arvense. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T167857A161580271.en.
Tilford, G. L. 1997. Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press Publishing Company.
Description
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